Final nine holes of Bear Mountain Valley open this spring
by Joni Krats
Bear Mountain caters to avid golfers, newer golfers and even non-golfers. The resort, now that it has added the Bear Mountain Valley course, has the complete spectrum of golf experiences. As of this spring, the Bear Mountain development outside Victoria offers 36 holes of golf. Bear Mountain, set into the foothills of Mount Finlayson and designed by Jack Nicklaus in tandem with his son Steve, is renowned for providing year-round challenge. The course lures golfers with mountain, city and ocean vistas beyond verdant, rolling fairways and mature evergreen forest.
The new sister course, Bear Mountain Valley, shares these qualities, but because of the raised tee boxes, wide fairways and fewer bunkers, is touted as a player-friendly course. Even so, the course is dynamic and interesting in its elevation changes and physical and psychological hazards. For example, the fourth hole is heavily contoured and drops off dramatically to the right. Rock outcroppings are a factor on several holes as are water hazards and bunkering that require precision play. Golfers teeing off at the eighth hole may find their focus challenged by trout swimming up the fish ladder and into the lake behind. And if that doesn’t get you, the mesmerizing waterfall near the 17th green will surely test your concentration.
Kerri Moore, director of marketing for the resort, spoke of her experience playing the first nine Valley holes last year.
“It’s equally if not more beautiful than the Mountain course,” said Moore. “Of course, the layout is quite different. You have a little bit more of a gauge of the green. Things aren’t quite as hidden as on the Mountain course.”
Steven MacPherson, director of golf and head professional at the Bear Mountain resort said that one challenge that newer golfers find on the Mountain course is the issue of blind holes. Those playing the course for the first time will sometimes come across surprising nuances obscured by the lay of the hole. The elevated tees and layout of the Valley course offers golfers a more forthright game experience.
“There are two advantages to elevated tees: the golf ball will travel a little bit farther, (and) the other advantage of an elevated tee is that you see everything laid out in front of you. Quite often its not just the golf hole, but the scenery, the backdrop of mountains, the rivers and everything else.”
With the final nine holes ready to play in the spring of 2009, golfers can now relish this experience at Bear Mountain. The development almost requires golfers to stay and play in order to experience the entire high-end menu of the two courses, medical spa facilities at the Sante Spa, elegant dining opportunities at Panache, the Copper Rock Grill and Masters’ Lounge and Kuma Sushi, along with the fine environs of the clubhouse and hotel.
The driving range is open, and CPGA professionals are available for instruction.
The resort also has an outdoor saltwater pool, a beach volleyball court, tennis courts and bicycles for rent. Guests have access to hiking trails on Mount Finlayson as well as to Goldstream Provincial Park.
Last year was the resort’s first time offering a day camp for children, who experienced golf lessons, hiking and indoor crafting. This will be available again in 2009 in July and August.
“We’re a lot more than just golf,” said Moore.
As an added treat, golfers can purchase the Bear Essentials, which is a gift basket that offers discounts and promotions at the resort, such as discounts at all of the dining places, deals on lessons, complimentary club rentals and other Bear Mountain mementos.
Located just 20 minutes from Victoria, the Bear Mountain resort can function as a base for vacationers who want to explore as well as golf. Those wishing for a rural experience may drive to the many nearby wineries. Also, the historic city of Victoria beckons, promising museums, gardens and castles.
Making Bear Mountain resort your home base for your vacation will be sure to please every member of your party, giving access to a vast array of activities as well as to world-class golf.
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